Family traditions, memories of Christmas, New Year’s, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or other celebrations often bring a smile to your face.
You may even remember as far back as setting out cookies for Santa Claus. Or listening for reindeer on the roof. Other memories may involve hot chocolate, a fireplace, a tree all lit up, presents — even trying to wrap them if you’re present wrapping challenged.
You hold those memories dear and may often share them with family, or friends over the holidays. Be sure to share them as a form of reminiscence therapy with the senior loved ones in your life, even if they have dementia.
Sharing Through Memories
Remembering past events, traditions, and even funny mishaps with seniors and the elderly who have memory loss helps engage their mind. Called reminiscence therapy, it works by helping seniors and the elderly discuss memories.
The idea is for seniors and the elderly who may have varying degrees of Alzheimer’s or dementia to work their mind. It’s very helpful for loved ones or close friends to help draw out these memories and positive experiences since they may not be able to do it on their own.
The holiday season, with its special events, sights, sounds, and smells is a great time to
help with communication, moods, and quality of life as seniors share their reminisces and memories.
Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence works like this, according to the National Institute of Health. It’s a discussion of past activities, events, or experiences with someone else, or a group of people.
Photographs, music, videos, archival recordings, or other familiar items from the past help fuel the memories and discussion.
Participating in reminiscence therapy can improve mood swings, help the communication between caregivers and the seniors or elderly in their care, and even lower stress both the caregiver and the person they care for.
As we move into the holiday season, take advantage of the time and holiday festivities to ask your loved one about their memories. And be willing to help them with little prompts or helpful hints.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Auburn Hill Senior Living are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Auburn Hill Senior Living, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a tour or download a brochure today!